THE RELIGION OF HUMANITY: Islam’s Ethical and Spiritual Outlook

to another, cutting down on one’s own spending to support someone else, taking time from one’s schedule to help another, holding back to let others speak, or giving space on the road so someone can pass. This personal sacrifice—selflessness—is what the Quran refers to as ithar. It is among the highest human values. According to the Quran, true success belongs to those who possess this quality. THE PRINCIPLE OF COMPASSION The Quran describes God as Al-Rahman and Al-Rahim— meaning exceedingly kind and deeply merciful. Similarly, the Prophet of Islam is referred to as “a mercy to all the worlds” (21:107), signifying that he was sent as a source of compassion for all humanity. His most prominent quality was his embodiment of universal mercy. The Quran instructs people to encourage one another in patience and compassion: “And advise one another to be steadfast, and advise one another to be compassionate” (Quran, 90:17). This means that every individual should deal with others with kindness, empathy, and care—even in situations of injustice or mistreatment. A person should maintain a compassionate attitude regardless of how others behave. Commenting on this verse, commentator alQurtubi explains that it means: “To show mercy to all of God’s creation.” (Tafsir al-Qurtubi, Vol. 20, p. 71)